Understanding how brain arousal affects brain activity measurements

The role of brain arousal in resting-state functional MRI

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10909928

This study is looking at how being awake and alert affects brain activity when you're not doing anything specific, and it's for anyone interested in understanding brain function better, whether they're healthy or dealing with brain disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-10909928 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of brain arousal in resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI), which is a technique used to measure brain activity when a person is not focused on any specific task. The study aims to develop a new measure of arousal based on the dynamics of brain activity captured through fMRI. By mapping how arousal influences brain connectivity and dynamics, the researchers hope to improve the accuracy of rsfMRI measurements. This could lead to better interpretations of brain function in both healthy individuals and those with brain disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with brain disorders or those undergoing evaluations for cognitive and behavioral issues.

Not a fit: Patients with stable, non-neurological conditions or those not experiencing cognitive or behavioral symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the understanding of brain function and improve diagnostic and treatment strategies for various brain disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding brain dynamics can lead to significant advancements in interpreting brain imaging data, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

University Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Brain DiseasesBrain Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.